Since the creation of online casino games, development studios have utilised technological features to introduce innovative themes into gameplay. Alongside casino bonuses, differing slot themes are one of the greatest innovations of the iGaming industry to offer distinct gameplay opportunities. All slot games in the industry are unique, with each title adding a distinctive twist to gameplay and referencing different compositions. Slot themes are widely used to make games more meaningful and are often expressed through both the visuals in play and thematic bonus features. Ranging from games based on ancient Egyptian mythology to the Wild West, slot themes encompass a diverse range, and in this article, we will visit some of the most popular themes.
The Ancient Egyptian Theme
The iGaming industry offers a range of slot themes; however, none is as popular as the Ancient Egyptian theme, which has influenced many of the online slot titles. Games in this genre are unique, often featuring varied thematic references to Ancient Egyptian mythology. Games in the Ancient Egyptian genre are unique, with many showcasing the theme in different ways, utilising imagery of the iconic pyramids, whilst others base their games around gods. The Ancient Egyptian theme is one of the most recognisable, often influencing the symbols on the playgrid, with many developers utilising Scarabs, Ankhs, Pharaohs, and others.
Book of Dead
The Book of Dead slot is a well-regarded slot game with an Ancient Egyptian theme, released in 2016 by Play’n Go. Since the release of this title, numerous spin-offs have been released, each incorporating new bonus mechanics, though the design remains similar. The gameplay in this slot release takes place on a standard 5-reel, 3-row playgrid with 10 paylines, where base-game prizes and bonus features may be triggered.
The game’s theme is well expressed in this title, with gameplay set in an Ancient Egyptian tomb and featuring a range of thematic imagery. There is a range of pillars in the background, along with stone walls, all decorated with hieroglyphs, which add to the theme. To further showcase the Ancient Egyptian theme, the reels are separated by thin gold and blue stripes, sharing a similar colour palette to the Tutankhamun hat.
The Fishing Theme
The Fishing slots theme is one of the most popular in the iGaming industry, with numerous developers basing their releases on it. Fishing-themed slots are distinctive, with gameplay that aligns with the genre, mostly expressed in the visuals, though many developers have added fishing-themed bonus features. The gameplay of slot releases with a fishing theme often takes place in an aquatic environment, whether out at sea, fishing in choppy waters, or at a tranquil lake. The growth of fishing-themed slots can be widely attributed to Reel Kingdom, particularly through the development of the Big Bass series. This slot series has widely influenced the fishing-themed genre, with numerous subsequent titles drawing inspiration from it in both visuals and mechanics.
Big Bass Bonanza
Reel Kingdom is the developer behind the Big Bass Bonanza slot and all other titles in the series, which have assisted in the growth of the fishing-themed genre. The Big Bass Bonanza slot was released in late 2020, and since then, over 25 spin-off titles have been released, each featuring a unique element. The Big Bass Bonanza slot features a 5×3 playgrid with 10 paylines, all of which operate left to right from the leftmost reel.
The design of the Big Bass Bonanza slot is simple, though it conveys the fishing theme well, with gameplay set in an underwater atmosphere. The playgrid in this release is translucent, allowing the murky water backdrop to be seen, and thin bubble streams separate the reels.
Ancient Greek Theme
With a notable historical impact, Ancient Greece has been the source for numerous slot titles in the iGaming industry, with many developers incorporating the theme. A common feature of the genre is for games to base their visuals on a particular god, and with the wide range of deities in the culture, there is a vast variety of titles. Although Ancient Greek deities such as Zeus are commonly featured in this slot theme, developers also present it in other ways. Throughout the iGaming industry, many developers have based their titles on Mount Olympus, a prominent figure in Greek culture and the highest mountain in Greece to add to their entertainment output.
Rise of Olympus Extreme
Play’n Go has released a variety of slot games featuring an Ancient Greek mythology theme, including the Rise of Olympus Extreme title. The game is a 2025 follow-up that introduces nuanced gameplay features, with the same theme and similar design as the previous release. The gameplay in this slot is unique, taking place on a 5×5 playgrid with no paylines, but instead operates with the ‘Cluster Pays’ game mechanic.
As the title suggests, the developers have drawn inspiration from the famous Mount Olympus for this slot release. As the gameplay takes place at the heights of the mountain, the backdrop is filled with a range of clouds and snow-topped mountains. Standing beside the playgrid, which is placed on a levitating platform, is one of three unique Ancient Greek deities, adding to the slot’s overall design.
Responsible Gambling
It is important to always gamble responsibly; these games are designed for entertainment purposes and not as a way of making money.
